Should Chinese herbal medicine be washed?

Generally, whether Chinese herbal medicines need to be washed depends on the specific type and intended use of the herb. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the herbal medicine consists of bulk root or rhizome materials—such as Angelica root (Danggui) or Astragalus root (Huangqi)—or if its surface is visibly covered with dirt or dust and it is intended for decoction, it may be quickly rinsed once or twice under running water. The purpose of washing such herbs is to remove surface contaminants and prevent impurities from affecting the taste of the decoction. Brief rinsing does not significantly leach active components and helps ensure hygiene during decoction, meeting basic medication safety standards.

However, powdered herbs such as Notoginseng powder (Sanqi powder) or Fritillaria powder (Chuanbei powder), flower-based herbs like honeysuckle or chrysanthemum, and processed herbs such as honey-fried or salt-fried preparations should not be washed. Washing powdered herbs may cause loss through dissolution in water, while water-soluble active ingredients in flower-based and processed herbs can easily be lost during rinsing, thereby reducing therapeutic efficacy.

Herbal medicines should be stored according to category: flower-based and powdered herbs should be sealed to prevent moisture, while root and rhizome herbs should be kept in a well-ventilated, dry place. Always verify the identity of the herbs before decoction; those that do not require washing should be used directly to ensure optimal efficacy. Avoid storing herbs alongside substances with strong odors to prevent contamination.